Maguire crowned Magpies best after brilliant year for premiers

A wide-running menace, Maguire crossed for an incredible 25 tries – the most of any player in the competition – during the Magpies memorable run to the 2016 Group 11 first grade title, ending a 29-year drought.

The Group 11 and Western Rams representative was honoured with the Forbes club’s top honour at the club’s presentation night, predictably taking home the black and whites’ most tries award as well.

In his first year of first grade while also helping the Magpies under 18s to the semi-finals, Knights bound centre Mitch Andrews took out the Scott Taylor Memorial Award for most outstanding club player, as well as first grade rookie of the year.

Arguably his side’s best throughout the back half of the season, Zac Merritt was dubbed the club’s best forward and players’ player, Mitch Burke the club’s best back, Hayden Bolam won the coach’s award, Matt Roylance the manager’s award and effervescent prop Ben Robinson won most dedicated player.

Rewarding the effort all parties put in during a cracking year in Group 11, the club honoured its best players in all four grades at the Forbes Sports and Recreation Club on September 16.

Kimeaka Bermingham was a stand-out for the league tag girls all season, taking home the best and fairest and players’ player awards.

Kaitlyn Andrews won coach’s award, while the most dedicated league tag lady was April Townsend, Emma Reid was the most improved and Montana Hey the rookie of the year.

In the juniors, Matt Woolnough was crowned the Magpies under 18s best and fairest while Izaac Scott was the players’ player.

Jaiden Burke and Farren Lamb shared the best back gong, Mitch Andrews won best forward, Corey Hurford the most improved and rookie of the year was Nic Mulligan.

While in reserve grade, Ricky Brett capped a great year with the best and fairest award, Scott Grogan cleaned up with the players’ player and best back awards, Andrew Grogan claimed the best forward and Jarrad Nicholson was the most improved.